Meatloaf is such an iconic meal here in the U.S. For years, I'd fix meatloaf every week for Sunday dinner, usually with either mashed or baked potatoes, a green veggie, and dessert. Defintely one of those meals everyone in the family looked forward to.
That said, here are six yummy meatloaf recipes, including Turkey Meatloaf and Southwest Meatloaf. Enjoy!
MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH BUTTERMILK MEATLOAF
This is from John Mitzewich who wrote for The Spruce Eats. He wrote, "This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender, moist, and delicious. A glossy brown sugar glaze finishes off the meatloaf and is a perfect complement to the flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, tarragon, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce that make it into the mixture. Enjoy this winning meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal."
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/buttermilk-meatloaf-recipe-101521.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs (beaten)
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)
For the Glaze:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Directions
Note: While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.
Make the Meatloaf:
Gather the ingredients.
In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 325 F.
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, the onion and garlic mixture, and all of the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Gently mix to incorporate.
Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.
Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide by about 3 to 4 inches high.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Make the Glaze:
Gather the ingredients.
While the meatloaf is baking, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.
Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to make sure the meatloaf is done; it should reach at least 160 F.
Serve and enjoy.
SOUTHWEST MEATLOAF
Recipe Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/southwest-meatloaf.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (95% lean)
1 cup soft bread crumbs
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup thick and chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 350F. Combine all ingredients in large bowl except salsa, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour, 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160F.
Let stand 10 minutes. Top with salsa; cut into slices.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 1.8 g; Sodium: 313 mg; Cholesterol: 120 mg; Protein: 34 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g
MUSHROOM MEATLOAF
Yield: 8 servings
View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/739.shtml
Source: Secrets of Good-Carb Low-Carb Living
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds 95-percent-lean ground beef or ground turkey
2 cups very finely chopped fresh mushrooms
3/4 cup very finely chopped onion
3/4 cup quick-cooking (1-minute) oats
8-ounce can tomato sauce with roasted garlic or Italian herbs
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fat-free egg substitute
1/4 cup very finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Place all of the ingredients except for 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in a large bowl, and mix well.
Coat a 9-by-5-inch meatloaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture into the pan to form a loaf.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Spread the remaining tomato sauce over the meatloaf and bake for 30 additional minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink inside and a meat thermometer reads at least 160 degrees.
Remove the loaf from the oven, and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 4.4 g; Sodium: 399 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.6 g; Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 3 Low-Fat Meat, 1 Vegetable
MEATLOAF MUFFINS
Some of the nicknames we give ourselves while we’re on the web are interesting. This one comes from CountryLady from Ontario, Canada, and is posted on Food.com. She wrote, “Another good one from Toronto Chef Michael Bonacini. Not your ordinary meat loaf, its great with his Macaroni & Cheese and a green vegetable for a ‘retro’ dinner!!!!” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 12 muffins.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
1 1⁄4 cups finely chopped onions
1 cup breadcrumbs
2⁄3 cup ketchup
1 dash hot sauce
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
2⁄3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
barbecue sauce, for glaze
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl& mix until well blended- do not over mix.
Place a 2 inch wide parchment strip across each mould of the muffin tin, coming up from each side by about 2 inches.
This will be used for unmoulding after they are cooked.
Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, generously fill each section of the muffin tin with meat, rounding the top to obtain a muffin shape.
Brush with BBQ sauce & bake in a preheated 350F oven for 15- 20 mins (or until meat thermometer reaches 160F), brushing occasionally with more BBQ sauce.
BEST EVER MEATLOAF
This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “This moist and delicious meatloaf gets exceptional flavor from dry onion soup and a can of tomato soup. It's easy and tasty!”
Serves: 8 servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 80 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or Healthy Request®)
1 envelope (about 1 ounce) dry onion soup and recipe mix
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup water
Directions
Thoroughly mix the beef, 1/2 cup tomato soup, onion soup mix, bread crumbs and egg in a large bowl. Place the mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan and firmly shape into an 8 x 4-inch loaf.
Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through. Let the meatloaf stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Heat 2 tablespoons pan drippings, remaining tomato soup and water in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring occasionally. Serve the soup mixture with the meatloaf.
Easy Substitution: You can substitute Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free) for the Tomato Soup.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a steamed vegetable blend. For dessert serve brownies.
TURKEY MEATLOAF
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking email. Sam wrote, “This is a recipe that helps explain the Twitter-era term ‘humblebrag.’ I made it for the celebrated writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron after a different recipe resulted in a disaster and I had to discard the result with only a few hours before my dinner with -- did I mention? -- Nora Ephron. It derives from a meatball dish once cooked by the chef Mark Ladner at the restaurant Lupa in Manhattan, and published as a recipe in Details magazine in the early years of the century. I scaled it up over the years, increasing some spices here and there, lessening others, until I had what I thought to be a pretty terrific meatloaf. But don't take my word for it. ‘This is remarkable,’ Ms. Ephron told me. I'm bragging about it still.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
This was featured in “Potlucky” and can be viewed online here.
Note: This recipe calls for 1 cup red wine. If, like me, you don’t keep wine or any alcohol around the house, I imagine you could replace this with 1 cup water. Yes, this will affect the taste a little, but it’s do-able.
Ingredients
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup fresh bread crumbs of any provenance
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup whole milk
1 pound ground turkey
1 pound sweet Italian pork sausage, casing removed, crumbled
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces bacon, chopped
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, seeds removed
1 cup red wine
1/4 bunch mint
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Combine 2/3 of the garlic, the rosemary, pepper flakes, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Add the milk and mix. Add the turkey and sausage and mix once more to combine; don’t overmix. Transfer onto a board and shape into a fine meatloaf, about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide.
Place in a baking pan with high sides (a 9 x12 pan with 2-inch sides works well), drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and bake for 25 minutes, turning halfway through to brown evenly. Remove from the oven and reduce the heat to 325 degrees.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, fry the bacon in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until it starts to curl and its fat is rendered. Add the onions and remaining garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and wine and bring to a boil.
Pour the sauce over the meatloaf, cover tightly with foil and bake until a meat thermometer inserted at the center reads 150 degrees, 20 to 30 minutes.
Transfer the meatloaf to a platter and let stand, tented with foil, for 10 minutes. Cut into thick slices, spoon tomato sauce over the top and scatter with torn mint leaves.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because not everyone loves tacos!). Today's offerings include Chicken Spaghetti (!), Barbecue Lasagna, and Twice-Baked Potatoes. Enjoy!
SMASH BURGERS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "This is the traditional, griddled hamburger of diners and takeaway spots, smashed thin and cooked crisp on its edges. It is best to cook in a heavy, cast-iron skillet slicked with oil or fat, and not on a grill. For meat, ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak, with at least a 20 percent fat content, or grind your own. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, and try not to handle it with your fingers — use an ice-cream scoop or spoon instead. Plop down a few ounces in the pan, smash it with a spatula, salt it, let it go crisp and flip. Add cheese and get your bun toasted. The process moves quickly."
Yield: 4 to 8 servings; Time: 20 minutes
This as featured in "Deconstructing the Perfect Burger", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016595-smash-burgers.
Another like you should check out to to Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Even if you've been making burgers almost forever, it's still well worth checking out.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon neutral oil, like canola, or a pat of unsalted butter
2 pounds ground chuck, at least 20 percent fat
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices cheese (optional)
8 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and condiments, as desired
Directions
Add oil or butter to a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet and place over medium heat. Gently divide ground beef into 8 small piles of around 4 ounces each, and even more gently gather them together into orbs that are about 2 inches in height. Do not form patties.
Increase heat under skillet to high. Put half the orbs into the skillet with plenty of distance between them and, using a stiff metal spatula, press down on each one to form a burger that is around 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook without moving until patties have achieved a deep, burnished crust, a little less than 2 minutes. Use the spatula to scrape free and carefully turn burgers over. If using cheese, lay slices on meat.
Continue to cook until meat is cooked through, approximately a minute or so longer. Remove burgers from skillet, place on buns and top as desired. Repeat process with remaining burgers. Serving two hamburgers on a single bun is not an outrageous option.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE
Makes 8 servings
Source: TBC
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml
Ingredients
2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef
1 cup soft bread crumbs*
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided
1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt
1/2 cup diced cucumber
* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.
Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.
Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: .4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g
BARBECUE LASAGNA
This yummy recipe is from a long-since-forgotten emailing list that my son was on for a few years. Makes 8 servings.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup ketchup
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby or mild cheddar cheese
1 cup (8 ounces) small-curd cottage cheese
1 egg
Directions
In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. For barbecue sauce, combine the next 13 ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Spread about 1/4 cup barbecue sauce in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Layer with three noodles and half of the beef.
Spread with half of the remaining barbecue sauce; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, cheddar and Colby cheeses. Repeat layers.
Combine cottage cheese and egg; spoon evenly over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting.
TWICE-BAKED POTATOES
This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes; Yield: 12 to 16 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/twice-baked-potatoes-recipe-1925596.
Ingredients
8 baking potatoes, washed
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 sticks salted butter
1 cup bacon bits (fry your own!)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Cheddar or Jack cheese (or a mix of both), plus more for topping
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3 green onions, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Rub them with the canola oil and bake for 1 hour, making sure they're sufficiently cooked through.
Slice the butter into pats. Place in a large mixing bowl and add the bacon bits and sour cream. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Lower the heat to 350 degrees F.
With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides into the mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the shell. Leave a small rim of potato intact for support. Lay the hollowed out potato shells on a baking sheet.
Smash the potatoes into the butter, bacon and sour cream. Add the cheese, milk, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper to taste and mix together well. (IMPORTANT: If you plan to freeze the twice-baked potatoes, do NOT add the green onions.)
Fill the potato shells with the filling. I like to fill the shells so they look abundant and heaping. Top each potato with a little more grated cheese and pop 'em in the oven until the potato is warmed through, 15 to 20 minutes.
THREE SISTERS CASSEROLE
This was in the November/December 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 61. It begins, "A Native American expression, “three sisters” refers to the practice of growing beans, corn, and squash together. This filling casserole can be frozen for an upcoming party or made fresh for dinner. Serve with Pumpkin Seed Pesto."
Serves 6.
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/three-sisters-casserole/.
Ingredients
Polenta topping
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 Tbs. chili powder
3/4 tsp. salt
Filling
3 Tbs. olive oil, divided
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 large red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch dice (1 cup)
1 lb. kabocha squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 cups)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes with chiles
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
Preparation
To make Polenta Topping: Whisk together cornmeal, chili powder, salt, and 4½ cups water in double boiler, or in large metal bowl over barely simmering water. Cook 40 minutes, or until polenta is thick and stiff, stirring 3 or 4 times. Remove from heat.
To make Filling: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 Tbs. oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 7 minutes, or until softened, stirring often. Add bell pepper, and cook 5 minutes more, stirring often.
Stir in squash, tomatoes, garlic, coriander, and cumin. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/2 cup water and salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer, partially covered, 10 to 15 minutes, or until squash is tender. Stir in beans and corn, and cook 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Coat 8- x 11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 2 cups polenta over bottom of prepared dish. Spoon squash mixture over polenta. Smooth remaining polenta (about 2 1/2 cups) over top.
Score casserole into 6 squares with knife. Brush top with remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Bake 30 minutes, or until heated through and top is lightly browned.
SMASH BURGERS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, "This is the traditional, griddled hamburger of diners and takeaway spots, smashed thin and cooked crisp on its edges. It is best to cook in a heavy, cast-iron skillet slicked with oil or fat, and not on a grill. For meat, ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak, with at least a 20 percent fat content, or grind your own. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, and try not to handle it with your fingers — use an ice-cream scoop or spoon instead. Plop down a few ounces in the pan, smash it with a spatula, salt it, let it go crisp and flip. Add cheese and get your bun toasted. The process moves quickly."
Yield: 4 to 8 servings; Time: 20 minutes
This as featured in "Deconstructing the Perfect Burger", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016595-smash-burgers.
Another like you should check out to to Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Even if you've been making burgers almost forever, it's still well worth checking out.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon neutral oil, like canola, or a pat of unsalted butter
2 pounds ground chuck, at least 20 percent fat
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
8 slices cheese (optional)
8 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and condiments, as desired
Directions
Add oil or butter to a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet and place over medium heat. Gently divide ground beef into 8 small piles of around 4 ounces each, and even more gently gather them together into orbs that are about 2 inches in height. Do not form patties.
Increase heat under skillet to high. Put half the orbs into the skillet with plenty of distance between them and, using a stiff metal spatula, press down on each one to form a burger that is around 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook without moving until patties have achieved a deep, burnished crust, a little less than 2 minutes. Use the spatula to scrape free and carefully turn burgers over. If using cheese, lay slices on meat.
Continue to cook until meat is cooked through, approximately a minute or so longer. Remove burgers from skillet, place on buns and top as desired. Repeat process with remaining burgers. Serving two hamburgers on a single bun is not an outrageous option.
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
This comes from Southern Living, and begins, "Give your traditional chicken casserole a break and serve this bright and lively chicken spaghetti. You only need a Dutch oven and a 9-x-13 baking dish to create this delicious meal, meaning there is less clean-up afterwards. Cook and shred your chicken in advance to save time."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Serves: 10
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/easy-chicken-spaghetti.
Ingredients
6 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 (14-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, skin removed
3 (7-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (5-oz.) can evaporated milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)
2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 3 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring stock to a boil in a Dutch oven over high. Add chicken to stock. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest piece of chicken registers 160°F, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken; let stand until ready to use. (Inner temperature of chicken will rise as it stands.)
Return stock to a boil over high. Add pasta to Dutch oven, and cook until just tender, about 9 minutes. Transfer pasta to a medium bowl (reserving stock). Return stock to a boil over high; boil until liquid is reduced to about 2-1/2 cups, about 1 minute. Whisk together evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir into stock; boil until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt. Pour stock mixture over pasta.
Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Add butter, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture back to Dutch oven. Shred chicken, discarding bones. (You should have about 4-1/2 cups meat.) Add chicken and tomatoes to Dutch oven; toss to coat. Pour mixture into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Lightly coat aluminum foil with cooking spray. Cover with foil; bake until cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes.
Chef's Notes
You don't have to be a food stylist to create a casserole that looks as good as it tastes. Instead of pouring the pasta mixture from the pot into the baking dish, use tongs and a large spoon to twirl the noodles into nests, as shown below.
ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE
Makes 8 servings
Source: TBC
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml
Ingredients
2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef
1 cup soft bread crumbs*
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided
1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt
1/2 cup diced cucumber
* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.
Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.
Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: .4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g
BARBECUE LASAGNA
This yummy recipe is from a long-since-forgotten emailing list that my son was on for a few years. Makes 8 servings.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup ketchup
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby or mild cheddar cheese
1 cup (8 ounces) small-curd cottage cheese
1 egg
Directions
In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. For barbecue sauce, combine the next 13 ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Spread about 1/4 cup barbecue sauce in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Layer with three noodles and half of the beef.
Spread with half of the remaining barbecue sauce; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, cheddar and Colby cheeses. Repeat layers.
Combine cottage cheese and egg; spoon evenly over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting.
TWICE-BAKED POTATOES
This yummy recipes is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes; Yield: 12 to 16 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/twice-baked-potatoes-recipe-1925596.
Ingredients
8 baking potatoes, washed
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 sticks salted butter
1 cup bacon bits (fry your own!)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Cheddar or Jack cheese (or a mix of both), plus more for topping
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3 green onions, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Rub them with the canola oil and bake for 1 hour, making sure they're sufficiently cooked through.
Slice the butter into pats. Place in a large mixing bowl and add the bacon bits and sour cream. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Lower the heat to 350 degrees F.
With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides into the mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the shell. Leave a small rim of potato intact for support. Lay the hollowed out potato shells on a baking sheet.
Smash the potatoes into the butter, bacon and sour cream. Add the cheese, milk, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper to taste and mix together well. (IMPORTANT: If you plan to freeze the twice-baked potatoes, do NOT add the green onions.)
Fill the potato shells with the filling. I like to fill the shells so they look abundant and heaping. Top each potato with a little more grated cheese and pop 'em in the oven until the potato is warmed through, 15 to 20 minutes.
THREE SISTERS CASSEROLE
This was in the November/December 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 61. It begins, "A Native American expression, “three sisters” refers to the practice of growing beans, corn, and squash together. This filling casserole can be frozen for an upcoming party or made fresh for dinner. Serve with Pumpkin Seed Pesto."
Serves 6.
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/three-sisters-casserole/.
Ingredients
Polenta topping
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 Tbs. chili powder
3/4 tsp. salt
Filling
3 Tbs. olive oil, divided
1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 large red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch dice (1 cup)
1 lb. kabocha squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 cups)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes with chiles
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
Preparation
To make Polenta Topping: Whisk together cornmeal, chili powder, salt, and 4½ cups water in double boiler, or in large metal bowl over barely simmering water. Cook 40 minutes, or until polenta is thick and stiff, stirring 3 or 4 times. Remove from heat.
To make Filling: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 Tbs. oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 7 minutes, or until softened, stirring often. Add bell pepper, and cook 5 minutes more, stirring often.
Stir in squash, tomatoes, garlic, coriander, and cumin. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/2 cup water and salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer, partially covered, 10 to 15 minutes, or until squash is tender. Stir in beans and corn, and cook 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Coat 8- x 11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 2 cups polenta over bottom of prepared dish. Spoon squash mixture over polenta. Smooth remaining polenta (about 2 1/2 cups) over top.
Score casserole into 6 squares with knife. Brush top with remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Bake 30 minutes, or until heated through and top is lightly browned.
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Any objections? I hope not. Check out today's offerings, including the Spinach, Shrimp and Ricotta Tacos and Spicy Beef Tacos. Enjoy!
SOUTHWEST TURKEY TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Lean ground turkey, veggies and savory salsa meld in the slow cooker to make this deliciously easy taco filling."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/southwest-turkey-tacos.
Ingredients
1 package (20 oz) extra-lean ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained, rinsed
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 boxes (4.6 oz each) Old El Paso™ taco shells (24 shells total)
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 cups chopped lettuce
3 medium tomatoes, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
Preparation
In 12-inch skillet, place turkey and onion; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink.
Spray 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, mix turkey mixture, salsa, beans, corn and chili powder.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
To serve, heat taco shells in oven as directed on boxes. Stir cilantro into turkey mixture. Spoon about 1/4 cup mixture into each warm taco shell; top with lettuce and tomatoes.
Expert Tips
This taco mixture is also delicious served over rice and topped with chopped fresh cilantro.
Top with fat-free sour cream, if desired.
Exchanges:1 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choices:2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
Nutrition: 6 servings (2 tacos each); 1 Serving: Calories: 310 (Calories from Fat: 190); Total Fat: 21 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g, Trans Fat: 0 g); Cholesterol: 210 mg; Sodium: 550 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 18 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 2 g); Protein: 10 g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10%
Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Medium-Fat Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 2 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choice: 1
SPICY BEEF TACOS
This is from Weight Watchers (now called WW), and begins, "You get two tasty tacos in a serving. Add your own touch with fresh chopped cilantro, scallions or tomatoes."
Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 13 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Cooking spray, 3 spray(s), divided
1/2 cup WW Reduced fat shredded Mexican style blend cheese
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
3/4 pound uncooked 93% lean ground beef
1 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp Ground coriander
3/4 tsp Table salt, or to taste
1 1/2 cups Canned diced tomatoes, with jalapenos or green chilies
8 small Corn tortillas, lightly toasted just before serving if desired*
2 cups Lettuce, chopped, shredded
1/3 cup Fat free salsa
Directions
Coat a large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add beef; cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, salt and diced tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is almost absorbed, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Place tortillas on a flat surface. Top each with about 1/4 cup beef, 1/4 cup lettuce, 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons salsa. Fold tortillas in half and serve. Yields 2 tacos per serving.
Notes
*To toast tortillas, coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place tortillas on top and coat with cooking spray. Heat in a 300°F oven until slightly crisp but not too crisp that they break when folded.
AVOCADO TACOS
This recipe is from Enrique Olvera and adapted by Jeff Gordinier on The New York Times cooking site. Jeff wrote, "Most top chefs will tell you the same thing: When they finally escape from the elaborate labors they oversee in the kitchen, they crave late-night street food that’s poetically simple and satisfying: hot dogs, fried rice, a bowl of noodles. For Enrique Olvera, the chef at Cosme in New York and Pujol in Mexico City, that hand-to-mouth haiku can be found in avocado tacos, which he scarfs down around the clock. They serve as both “a comfort,” he said, and “a cultural expression.” In its most basic form, an avocado taco is like a two-bite couplet in praise of Mexican ingredients: a chewy corn tortilla enclosing creamy slices of the-butter-that-grows-on-trees. Spare additions elevate that avocado: a pinch of salt, a spray of lime juice, a sprinkle of chopped onions and cilantro. But the chef takes elevation one step further with a salsa made of pasilla chiles and tomatillos."
Yield: 12 tacos; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Scouting the Scene", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016784-avocado-tacos.
Note: The article ("Scouting the Scene") is well worth the read; check it out!
Ingredients
4 pasilla chiles
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
2 garlic cloves
10 tomatillos, boiled in salted water for 15 minutes or until soft
3 avocados, sliced thin
12 corn tortillas
3/4 cup white onion, finely diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Preparation
Make the salsa: Snap the stems off the chiles and remove the seeds. Using tongs, carefully hold the chiles over a medium flame to char on all sides. Transfer chiles to a food processor, add the salt and process into a powder. Add the garlic and tomatillos and purée until smooth. (This makes 1 pint salsa, more than needed; refrigerate the rest in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)
To serve, place 3 or 4 slices of avocado on each tortilla and top with salsa, onion and cilantro.
BEEF ENCHILADA MINI TACO BOWLS™
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Love enchiladas but don’t like all the rolling and stuffing? Try these easy green chile beef enchilada-filled mini bowls -- all the flavor in a pick-up version!"
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/beef-enchilada-mini-taco-bowls.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter, melted
10 Old El Paso™ Taco Bowls™ mini soft flour tortillas (1 sleeve from Party Pack)
1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (3 oz)
3 tablespoons sliced green onions
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Brush melted butter on all sides of bowls; place in 3-quart baking dish. Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until brown and firm to the touch. Bowls will crisp slightly as they cool.
Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain. Reserve 1/3 cup of the enchilada sauce. Stir remaining enchilada sauce and green chiles into beef mixture; return to heat. Simmer mixture, uncovered, over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened.
Spoon filling into bowls; top with shredded cheese, and drizzle with remaining enchilada sauce. Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with green onions.
Expert Tips
Got a crowd to feed? This recipe is easily doubled to fill the full Party Pack of bowls. Use a 12-inch nonstick skillet, 2 baking dishes and double everything.
Want more spice? Try medium or hot enchilada sauce.
SPINACH, SHRIMP AND RICOTTA TACOS
This is from Priscilla Gilbert, from Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, on Taste of Home. She wrote, "I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos."
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-shrimp-and-ricotta-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 12 cups)
12 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Salsa and lime wedges
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cilantro, half the minced garlic, salt and pepper; set aside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add shrimp, green chiles and pepper flakes; cook 1 minute longer. Add spinach and remaining garlic; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink and spinach is wilted, 4-5 minutes.
Serve shrimp mixture in tortillas with ricotta mixture, salsa and lime wedges.
Test Kitchen tip
If you happen to have any leftover shrimp, serve it over hot cooked pasta, polenta or quinoa. A little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese won't hurt, either.
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
SOUTHWEST TURKEY TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Lean ground turkey, veggies and savory salsa meld in the slow cooker to make this deliciously easy taco filling."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes; Makes 12 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/southwest-turkey-tacos.
Ingredients
1 package (20 oz) extra-lean ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Old El Paso™ Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained, rinsed
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 boxes (4.6 oz each) Old El Paso™ taco shells (24 shells total)
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 cups chopped lettuce
3 medium tomatoes, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
Preparation
In 12-inch skillet, place turkey and onion; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink.
Spray 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, mix turkey mixture, salsa, beans, corn and chili powder.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
To serve, heat taco shells in oven as directed on boxes. Stir cilantro into turkey mixture. Spoon about 1/4 cup mixture into each warm taco shell; top with lettuce and tomatoes.
Expert Tips
This taco mixture is also delicious served over rice and topped with chopped fresh cilantro.
Top with fat-free sour cream, if desired.
Exchanges:1 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1/2 Fat; Carbohydrate Choices:2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
SALSA VERDE SCRAMBLED EGG TACOS
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Enjoy your scrambled eggs in a mini soft tortilla bowl with these delicious breakfast tacos, perfect for kids and adults! They’re topped with shredded cheese, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
View this online at https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/salsa-verde-scrambled-egg-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls, heated as directed on package
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend
1/2 cup pico de gallo
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Creamy Salsa Verde sauce
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add milk and salt; beat well.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook 3 to 5 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist.
Divide eggs evenly among warm tortilla bowls. Top with cheese, pico de gallo and avocado; drizzle with sauce.
Expert Tips
Try chopped tomatoes in place of pico de gallo.
Kids love to help in the kitchen. After filling tortillas with eggs, let the kids top with their favorite cheese and fresh toppings!
Add cooked breakfast sausage to tacos for a flavor twist.
Nutrition: 6 servings (2 tacos each); 1 Serving: Calories: 310 (Calories from Fat: 190); Total Fat: 21 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g, Trans Fat: 0 g); Cholesterol: 210 mg; Sodium: 550 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 18 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 2 g); Protein: 10 g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 10%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10%
Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Medium-Fat Meat, 1/2 High-Fat Meat, 2 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choice: 1
SPICY BEEF TACOS
This is from Weight Watchers (now called WW), and begins, "You get two tasty tacos in a serving. Add your own touch with fresh chopped cilantro, scallions or tomatoes."
Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 13 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Cooking spray, 3 spray(s), divided
1/2 cup WW Reduced fat shredded Mexican style blend cheese
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
3/4 pound uncooked 93% lean ground beef
1 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp Ground coriander
3/4 tsp Table salt, or to taste
1 1/2 cups Canned diced tomatoes, with jalapenos or green chilies
8 small Corn tortillas, lightly toasted just before serving if desired*
2 cups Lettuce, chopped, shredded
1/3 cup Fat free salsa
Directions
Coat a large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add beef; cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, salt and diced tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is almost absorbed, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Place tortillas on a flat surface. Top each with about 1/4 cup beef, 1/4 cup lettuce, 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons salsa. Fold tortillas in half and serve. Yields 2 tacos per serving.
Notes
*To toast tortillas, coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place tortillas on top and coat with cooking spray. Heat in a 300°F oven until slightly crisp but not too crisp that they break when folded.
AVOCADO TACOS
This recipe is from Enrique Olvera and adapted by Jeff Gordinier on The New York Times cooking site. Jeff wrote, "Most top chefs will tell you the same thing: When they finally escape from the elaborate labors they oversee in the kitchen, they crave late-night street food that’s poetically simple and satisfying: hot dogs, fried rice, a bowl of noodles. For Enrique Olvera, the chef at Cosme in New York and Pujol in Mexico City, that hand-to-mouth haiku can be found in avocado tacos, which he scarfs down around the clock. They serve as both “a comfort,” he said, and “a cultural expression.” In its most basic form, an avocado taco is like a two-bite couplet in praise of Mexican ingredients: a chewy corn tortilla enclosing creamy slices of the-butter-that-grows-on-trees. Spare additions elevate that avocado: a pinch of salt, a spray of lime juice, a sprinkle of chopped onions and cilantro. But the chef takes elevation one step further with a salsa made of pasilla chiles and tomatillos."
Yield: 12 tacos; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "Scouting the Scene", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016784-avocado-tacos.
Note: The article ("Scouting the Scene") is well worth the read; check it out!
Ingredients
4 pasilla chiles
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
2 garlic cloves
10 tomatillos, boiled in salted water for 15 minutes or until soft
3 avocados, sliced thin
12 corn tortillas
3/4 cup white onion, finely diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Preparation
Make the salsa: Snap the stems off the chiles and remove the seeds. Using tongs, carefully hold the chiles over a medium flame to char on all sides. Transfer chiles to a food processor, add the salt and process into a powder. Add the garlic and tomatillos and purée until smooth. (This makes 1 pint salsa, more than needed; refrigerate the rest in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)
To serve, place 3 or 4 slices of avocado on each tortilla and top with salsa, onion and cilantro.
BEEF ENCHILADA MINI TACO BOWLS™
This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "Love enchiladas but don’t like all the rolling and stuffing? Try these easy green chile beef enchilada-filled mini bowls -- all the flavor in a pick-up version!"
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 10 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/beef-enchilada-mini-taco-bowls.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter, melted
10 Old El Paso™ Taco Bowls™ mini soft flour tortillas (1 sleeve from Party Pack)
1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (3 oz)
3 tablespoons sliced green onions
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Brush melted butter on all sides of bowls; place in 3-quart baking dish. Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until brown and firm to the touch. Bowls will crisp slightly as they cool.
Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain. Reserve 1/3 cup of the enchilada sauce. Stir remaining enchilada sauce and green chiles into beef mixture; return to heat. Simmer mixture, uncovered, over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened.
Spoon filling into bowls; top with shredded cheese, and drizzle with remaining enchilada sauce. Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with green onions.
Expert Tips
Got a crowd to feed? This recipe is easily doubled to fill the full Party Pack of bowls. Use a 12-inch nonstick skillet, 2 baking dishes and double everything.
Want more spice? Try medium or hot enchilada sauce.
SPINACH, SHRIMP AND RICOTTA TACOS
This is from Priscilla Gilbert, from Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, on Taste of Home. She wrote, "I was looking for a new recipe for tacos, and this version was a perfect solution. With shrimp, green chiles, spinach and ricotta, it's made up of ingredients I love that aren't normally associated with traditional tacos."
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-shrimp-and-ricotta-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 12 cups)
12 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
Salsa and lime wedges
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cilantro, half the minced garlic, salt and pepper; set aside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add shrimp, green chiles and pepper flakes; cook 1 minute longer. Add spinach and remaining garlic; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink and spinach is wilted, 4-5 minutes.
Serve shrimp mixture in tortillas with ricotta mixture, salsa and lime wedges.
Test Kitchen tip
If you happen to have any leftover shrimp, serve it over hot cooked pasta, polenta or quinoa. A little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese won't hurt, either.
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Monday, August 22, 2022
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday, for those who really need their meat fix. Today's offerings include Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf and Fried Chicken Biscuits With Hot Honey Butter. Enjoy!
EASY SAUSAGE, PEPPERS AND ONIONS WITH ELBOWS
This is from Kori Lavertue at AllRecipes. Kori wrote, "On days when my schedule is overloaded, this easy throw-together recipe is always a hit with my family."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes; Additional Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, to go https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/219058/easy-sausage-peppers-and-onions-with-elbows/.
Ingredients
1 pound sweet Italian sausages
1 pound hot Italian sausages
2 green bell peppers, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia®), sliced
1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
Directions
Place the sweet and hot sausages, green and red peppers, onion, and pasta sauce in a slow cooker. Add about 1/2 a jar of water. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours.
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
Slice the cooked sausages, then return to the slow cooker. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving the sausage, peppers, and onion over the macaroni.
MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MEAT LOAF
This is from Suzanne Codner (from Starbuck, Minnesota), on the Taste of Home website. Suzanne wrote, "When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal." Sometimes, all it takes is the right recipe!
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes + standing time; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/melt-in-your-mouth-meat-loaf/.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
3/4 cup 2% milk
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Cut two 25x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble an X. Place strips on bottom and up sides of a 5-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray.
Combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into a round loaf; place in center of strips in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°.
In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over meat loaf. Cook until heated through, about 15 minutes longer. Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter. Let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.
SUPER-DELICIOUS ZUPPA TOSCANA
This was on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an oh-so-good recipe. Just the right amount of spice to make you take a cold drink but definitely keep coming back for more! This soup is irresistible!"
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/143069/super-delicious-zuppa-toscana/.
Ingredients
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1-1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
6 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh spinach, tough stems removed
Directions
Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.
Editor's Note:
Please note the differences in serving size and the substitution of lacinato kale for spinach when using the magazine version of this recipe.
FRIED CHICKEN BISCUITS WITH HOT HONEY BUTTER
This is from Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Tejal wrote, "This recipe for chicken biscuits could be a weeknight dinner with a side of greens, but it's made to travel, and perfectly suited for a picnic. The biscuit dough, adapted from Sam Sifton's all-purpose biscuit recipe, is lightly kneaded here, so it's not too tender to work in a sandwich. The chicken tenders, inspired by Masaharu Morimoto's katsu in the cookbook "Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking," are pounded and coated in panko for plenty of crunch. Prepare both components the day you want to eat them, giving yourself at least one extra hour for everything to cool before you assemble, so the sandwich stays crisp. You can also cook well in advance, and assemble the sandwiches the next day. Either way, cooling the chicken completely, on a wire rack, is crucial. If you prefer breast meat over thigh, feel free to swap it in."
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus cooling
This was featured in "Grab Your Picnic Baskets: The Party’s Moving Outside", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018818-fried-chicken-biscuits-with-hot-honey-butter.
Note: The article is well worth reading; I thoroughly enjoyed it! (Thanks for a great read, and great recipes, Tejal!) Also, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Fried Chicken". It's a helpful guide, whether you're a long-time cook, or just starting out.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups whole milk
For the chicken:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
3 eggs
3 cups panko bread crumbs
Canola or other neutral oil, for frying
For the butter:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons honey
Hot sauce, a vinegary variety such as Crystal, to taste
Sliced dill pickles, for serving
Preparation
Prepare the biscuits: In a bowl, use a fork to mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add butter and use the fork to mash it into the flour until the mixture resembles large, lumpy crumbs. Stir in milk until a dough comes together.
Flour your hands, then gently gather and knead the dough in the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it springs back slightly to the touch. (If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour as needed.) Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap and rest dough in fridge for half hour.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough to 1 to 1 1/2 inch thickness. Use a floured knife or round cutter to cut 6 biscuits, about 3 1/2 inches wide. Reroll the scraps and cut again as needed.
Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and the tops are slightly golden. Let cool completely on a wired rack at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container if not using until the next day.
Prepare the chicken: Trim excess fat and any membranes from the meat, then lightly hammer the thickest parts of the thighs with a mallet or rolling pin. Season each side with salt.
Mix flour, cayenne and salt in one wide bowl. Beat eggs in a second wide bowl, and place panko in a third. Dip each chicken thigh in flour, coating it all over and patting off the excess, then in egg, allowing extra egg to drip off, then in panko, making sure each thigh is entirely coated in bread crumbs, and using your hands to press loose crumbs into any places where they look scarce.
In a large, heavy bottomed skillet, pour in oil to a 2-inch depth and heat to 350 degrees. Fry 2 thighs at a time, flipping them over every two minutes or so, until golden brown and crisp all over, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined sheet pan and season lightly with salt. Let cool entirely at room temperature, at least 1 hour. At this point, you can assemble the sandwiches or transfer the rack to the fridge and leave the chicken uncovered overnight.
Assemble the sandwiches: When both the chicken and biscuits have cooled (or the next day), mix together soft butter, honey and hot sauce until smooth. Cut open cooled biscuits, smear each cut side with honey butter, and sandwich with a piece of chicken. If traveling, loosely wrap each sandwich in a piece of parchment paper and pack side by side in a hard container, in a single layer, so the sandwiches aren’t crushed. Serve with additional hot sauce and pickles on the side.
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF IN THE SLOW COOKER
This is from AllRecipes, and begins, "I make my beef stroganoff in the slow cooker with cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese with garlic and herbs. Serve over noodles to your liking."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/261152/easy-beef-stroganoff-in-the-slow-cooker/.
Ingredients
1-1/3 pounds cubed beef stew meat
2 cups fresh mushrooms, thickly sliced
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
2 onions, chopped
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
6 ounces herb and garlic-flavored cream cheese
1 cup fusilli pasta
1/4 cup sour cream (Optional)
Directions
Combine beef, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onions, and Worcestershire sauce in a slow cooker.
Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 5 to 7 hours. Stir in cream cheese until well dissolved; cook for 1 hour more.
During the last 20 minutes of cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fusilli to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
Serve stroganoff over fusilli and garnish with sour cream.
Cook's Notes:
Use a high-quality cream of mushroom soup, don't buy a cheap brand. It makes a difference.
No need to add extra liquid for the condensed soup, this is what the milk is for.
PIZZA POT PIES
This is from Giada De Laurentiis, on the Food Network. Total Time: 1 hr 10 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 40 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh minced rosemary leaves
2 ounces diced pancetta
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pizza Pot Pies:
3 cups Tomato Sauce
2 cups diced roasted chicken
2 cups broccoli cut into small, bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 cups diced mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds pizza dough
1/3 cup olive oil
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Special equipment: 6 (10-ounce) ramekins
Directions
For the Tomato Sauce: Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, rosemary, and pancetta. Saute until the pancetta is crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, stir to combine, and simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes. Add the salt and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl combine the Tomato Sauce, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the ramekins. Roll out the pizza dough and cut circles with a pairing knife that are 1-inch wider in diameter than the ramekins. Place the circles of dough over the filled ramekins and press down to seal, making sure to pull the dough over the edge of the ramekin. Brush the top of the pizza dough with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cut a small slit in the top of the pizza dough with a pairing knife. Bake until the pizza crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
EASY SAUSAGE, PEPPERS AND ONIONS WITH ELBOWS
This is from Kori Lavertue at AllRecipes. Kori wrote, "On days when my schedule is overloaded, this easy throw-together recipe is always a hit with my family."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes; Additional Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, to go https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/219058/easy-sausage-peppers-and-onions-with-elbows/.
Ingredients
1 pound sweet Italian sausages
1 pound hot Italian sausages
2 green bell peppers, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia®), sliced
1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
Directions
Place the sweet and hot sausages, green and red peppers, onion, and pasta sauce in a slow cooker. Add about 1/2 a jar of water. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours.
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
Slice the cooked sausages, then return to the slow cooker. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving the sausage, peppers, and onion over the macaroni.
MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MEAT LOAF
This is from Suzanne Codner (from Starbuck, Minnesota), on the Taste of Home website. Suzanne wrote, "When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal." Sometimes, all it takes is the right recipe!
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes + standing time; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/melt-in-your-mouth-meat-loaf/.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
3/4 cup 2% milk
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Cut two 25x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble an X. Place strips on bottom and up sides of a 5-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray.
Combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into a round loaf; place in center of strips in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°.
In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over meat loaf. Cook until heated through, about 15 minutes longer. Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter. Let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.
SUPER-DELICIOUS ZUPPA TOSCANA
This was on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an oh-so-good recipe. Just the right amount of spice to make you take a cold drink but definitely keep coming back for more! This soup is irresistible!"
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/143069/super-delicious-zuppa-toscana/.
Ingredients
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1-1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
6 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh spinach, tough stems removed
Directions
Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.
Editor's Note:
Please note the differences in serving size and the substitution of lacinato kale for spinach when using the magazine version of this recipe.
FRIED CHICKEN BISCUITS WITH HOT HONEY BUTTER
This is from Tejal Rao in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Tejal wrote, "This recipe for chicken biscuits could be a weeknight dinner with a side of greens, but it's made to travel, and perfectly suited for a picnic. The biscuit dough, adapted from Sam Sifton's all-purpose biscuit recipe, is lightly kneaded here, so it's not too tender to work in a sandwich. The chicken tenders, inspired by Masaharu Morimoto's katsu in the cookbook "Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking," are pounded and coated in panko for plenty of crunch. Prepare both components the day you want to eat them, giving yourself at least one extra hour for everything to cool before you assemble, so the sandwich stays crisp. You can also cook well in advance, and assemble the sandwiches the next day. Either way, cooling the chicken completely, on a wire rack, is crucial. If you prefer breast meat over thigh, feel free to swap it in."
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus cooling
This was featured in "Grab Your Picnic Baskets: The Party’s Moving Outside", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018818-fried-chicken-biscuits-with-hot-honey-butter.
Note: The article is well worth reading; I thoroughly enjoyed it! (Thanks for a great read, and great recipes, Tejal!) Also, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Fried Chicken". It's a helpful guide, whether you're a long-time cook, or just starting out.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups whole milk
For the chicken:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
3 eggs
3 cups panko bread crumbs
Canola or other neutral oil, for frying
For the butter:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons honey
Hot sauce, a vinegary variety such as Crystal, to taste
Sliced dill pickles, for serving
Preparation
Prepare the biscuits: In a bowl, use a fork to mix the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add butter and use the fork to mash it into the flour until the mixture resembles large, lumpy crumbs. Stir in milk until a dough comes together.
Flour your hands, then gently gather and knead the dough in the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it springs back slightly to the touch. (If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour as needed.) Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap and rest dough in fridge for half hour.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough to 1 to 1 1/2 inch thickness. Use a floured knife or round cutter to cut 6 biscuits, about 3 1/2 inches wide. Reroll the scraps and cut again as needed.
Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and the tops are slightly golden. Let cool completely on a wired rack at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container if not using until the next day.
Prepare the chicken: Trim excess fat and any membranes from the meat, then lightly hammer the thickest parts of the thighs with a mallet or rolling pin. Season each side with salt.
Mix flour, cayenne and salt in one wide bowl. Beat eggs in a second wide bowl, and place panko in a third. Dip each chicken thigh in flour, coating it all over and patting off the excess, then in egg, allowing extra egg to drip off, then in panko, making sure each thigh is entirely coated in bread crumbs, and using your hands to press loose crumbs into any places where they look scarce.
In a large, heavy bottomed skillet, pour in oil to a 2-inch depth and heat to 350 degrees. Fry 2 thighs at a time, flipping them over every two minutes or so, until golden brown and crisp all over, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined sheet pan and season lightly with salt. Let cool entirely at room temperature, at least 1 hour. At this point, you can assemble the sandwiches or transfer the rack to the fridge and leave the chicken uncovered overnight.
Assemble the sandwiches: When both the chicken and biscuits have cooled (or the next day), mix together soft butter, honey and hot sauce until smooth. Cut open cooled biscuits, smear each cut side with honey butter, and sandwich with a piece of chicken. If traveling, loosely wrap each sandwich in a piece of parchment paper and pack side by side in a hard container, in a single layer, so the sandwiches aren’t crushed. Serve with additional hot sauce and pickles on the side.
EASY BEEF STROGANOFF IN THE SLOW COOKER
This is from AllRecipes, and begins, "I make my beef stroganoff in the slow cooker with cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese with garlic and herbs. Serve over noodles to your liking."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/261152/easy-beef-stroganoff-in-the-slow-cooker/.
Ingredients
1-1/3 pounds cubed beef stew meat
2 cups fresh mushrooms, thickly sliced
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
2 onions, chopped
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
6 ounces herb and garlic-flavored cream cheese
1 cup fusilli pasta
1/4 cup sour cream (Optional)
Directions
Combine beef, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onions, and Worcestershire sauce in a slow cooker.
Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 5 to 7 hours. Stir in cream cheese until well dissolved; cook for 1 hour more.
During the last 20 minutes of cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fusilli to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
Serve stroganoff over fusilli and garnish with sour cream.
Cook's Notes:
Use a high-quality cream of mushroom soup, don't buy a cheap brand. It makes a difference.
No need to add extra liquid for the condensed soup, this is what the milk is for.
PIZZA POT PIES
This is from Giada De Laurentiis, on the Food Network. Total Time: 1 hr 10 min; Prep: 30 min; Cook: 40 min; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh minced rosemary leaves
2 ounces diced pancetta
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pizza Pot Pies:
3 cups Tomato Sauce
2 cups diced roasted chicken
2 cups broccoli cut into small, bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 cups diced mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds pizza dough
1/3 cup olive oil
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Special equipment: 6 (10-ounce) ramekins
Directions
For the Tomato Sauce: Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, rosemary, and pancetta. Saute until the pancetta is crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, stir to combine, and simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes. Add the salt and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl combine the Tomato Sauce, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the ramekins. Roll out the pizza dough and cut circles with a pairing knife that are 1-inch wider in diameter than the ramekins. Place the circles of dough over the filled ramekins and press down to seal, making sure to pull the dough over the edge of the ramekin. Brush the top of the pizza dough with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cut a small slit in the top of the pizza dough with a pairing knife. Bake until the pizza crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Meatless Monday
It's time to start the week off with another Meatless Monday. Here are six yummy vegetarian recipes to get you started, including Broccoli and Cheese Crustless Quiche and Basic Vegetable Soup. Enjoy!
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
This is from the May 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 42). It is in an article titled Calci-yum!, and begins, "Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread."
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche/. Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
CINNAMON-MAPLE APPLESAUCE
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, "Applesauce isn’t just for babies. Sure, this very basic version is perfect for tender palates, but it also works as the base for many a sweet treat. In the fall you might try swapping in 1 1/2 pounds of pears for half of the apples and a bit of caramel in place of the maple. (Omit the maple syrup if serving with savory foods.) In the summer, swap out some of the apples for red plums for a tangy and a beautifully pink variation that’s lovely served over vanilla ice cream. Add a bit of grated ginger and a few plump medjool dates to make a sophisticated purée that would be nice with some whipped cream or even a pork chop. Make extra, as it doubles easily and freezes well, too."
Yield: 3 cups; Time: 35 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022568-cinnamon-maple-applesauce.
Ingredients
3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 2-inch chunks, both tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Gala and Pink Lady
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more as needed
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Preparation
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine apples, lemon juice, 1/2 cup water, maple syrup and cinnamon, cover, and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the apples have softened, around 15 minutes. Remove lid and cook for another 5 minutes, until any excess liquid cooks off.
For a chunky sauce, use a potato masher to carefully mash the apples. For a smooth sauce, transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse to your desired consistency. If you like a thinner sauce, add up to 1/2 cup of water.
Taste and add a bit more maple syrup as necessary. (It will depend on the combination of apples.) Stir in a pinch of kosher salt.
Tip
To make this applesauce in the Instant Pot, add all the ingredients to the pot, cover, and set the pressure cooker to high. Allow it to come to pressure, let cook for 5 minutes, then immediately release the pressure. Carefully open the lid. Continue with the recipe from Step 2.
BEIGNETS
Who doesn't love beignets? This yummy recipe is from Scott Hocker for the Food Network. He wrote, "In New Orleans, where I live, beignets are served with a snowstorm of powdered sugar. The puffy fried dough squares are sold at loads of places here, including the rightfully famous Café du Monde. (Insider tip: Café du Monde's location in City Park is even more magical than the well-traveled one in the French Quarter.) Anytime you order beignets to go, the paper bag is likewise loaded with powdered sugar. Capture that spirit by tossing these New Orleans–style beignets with powdered sugar in a large paper grocery bag. Or use a baking sheet coated with sugar. Whatever approach you choose, be sure to eat them while they’re piping hot. That’s half the point. The other half is finding yourself covered in white powder after a few bites."
Active Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (includes rising time); Yield: 42 beignets; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/beignets-9621174.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk, warmed but not hot
One 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg, beaten
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Canola oil, for frying (about 8 cups)
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions
Put the milk, yeast and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and mix on low to combine. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add the butter, salt, egg and remaining granulated sugar to the bowl and mix on low speed to combine. Add the flour in 1/2-cup increments, mixing on low speed just until the dough becomes sticky and pliable, about 2 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put somewhere warm to rise, such as inside an unlit oven, until the dough is roughly doubled in size, about 2 hours. (You can also refrigerate the covered dough overnight.)
Lightly flour a large work surface. Punch down the dough with your fist to remove air, then place the dough on the work surface. Roll the dough into a 12-by-14-inch rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick. Make 6 cuts 2 inches apart along the 12-inch side and 7 cuts 2 inches apart along the 14-inch side using a sharp knife or pizza cutter for a total of forty-two 2-inch squares. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 30 minutes. (If you refrigerated the dough, let the dough rest at least 1 hour.)
Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a large Dutch oven or electric fryer. Put the confectioners' sugar in a large paper grocery bag or on a large baking sheet. Fry 6 to 8 beignets at a time, flipping them every 30 seconds or so, until both sides are golden brown, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per batch. If using the paper bag, transfer the beignets to the bag and shake to coat well with the sugar. If using a baking sheet, transfer the beignets to the sheet and, using tongs, toss to coat well with the sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough. Serve immediately.
BASIC VEGETABLE SOUP
This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Some say this soup is the secret to their weight-loss success. It's a great midday snack or dinner appetizer. If you like thick soups, consider pureeing this recipe in the pot with an immersion blender. There are so many variations on this recipe. Add or leave out vegetables to suit your taste. Save time by using frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones (though the texture of the soup might change a bit). You can also buy small amounts of pre-cut vegetables from your supermarket's salad bar."
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 12; Serving Size: 1 cup; Difficulty: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 medium uncooked carrots, diced
2 small uncooked zucchini, diced
2 cups uncooked savoy cabbage, shredded, or other variety, shredded
2 cups uncooked Swiss chard, chopped
2 cups uncooked cauliflower, small floret
2 cups uncooked broccoli, small florets
1 medium uncooked onion, diced
1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
1 rib medium uncooked celery, diced
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
6 cups fat free reduced sodium vegetable broth
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, or fresh chives, chopped
1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice, optional
Directions
Put garlic, vegetables, thyme, and broth into a large soup pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, about 10 minutes.
Stir in parsley or chives; season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
HEARTY BROCCOLI AND ORECCHIETTE
This was in the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 30). It begins, "A classic Italian combination is filled out with mushrooms and spicy soy sausage for a hearty main dish." Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/hearty-broccoli-and-orecchiette/.
Ingredients
1 cup orecchiette pasta
6 cups small broccoli florets
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cups sliced button mushrooms
1 Soyrizo sausage (6 oz.), chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
Preparation
Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente in large pot of boiling, salted water; add broccoli 3 minutes before end of cooking time. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water; drain pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
Wipe out pot, add oil, and heat over medium heat. Add mushrooms and Soyrizo, and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until mushrooms are browned. Stir in garlic, and cook 30 seconds. Return pasta, broccoli, and reserved pasta-cooking water to pot, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE CRUSTLESS QUICHE
This is from the May 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 42). It is in an article titled Calci-yum!, and begins, "Enjoy this no-crust savory custard pie with a salad for lunch or dinner. For a variation, substitute 5 cups spinach for the broccoli. Serve with warm whole-grain bread."
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cheese-crustless-quiche/. Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/4 cups 1% milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbs. grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 1 1/2 minutes. Add broccoli, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Spread mixture in pie pan.
Combine milk, cheese, mustard, egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Pour over broccoli mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake 40 minutes, or until top is golden and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
CINNAMON-MAPLE APPLESAUCE
This is from Samantha Seneviratne in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Samantha wrote, "Applesauce isn’t just for babies. Sure, this very basic version is perfect for tender palates, but it also works as the base for many a sweet treat. In the fall you might try swapping in 1 1/2 pounds of pears for half of the apples and a bit of caramel in place of the maple. (Omit the maple syrup if serving with savory foods.) In the summer, swap out some of the apples for red plums for a tangy and a beautifully pink variation that’s lovely served over vanilla ice cream. Add a bit of grated ginger and a few plump medjool dates to make a sophisticated purée that would be nice with some whipped cream or even a pork chop. Make extra, as it doubles easily and freezes well, too."
Yield: 3 cups; Time: 35 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022568-cinnamon-maple-applesauce.
Ingredients
3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 2-inch chunks, both tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Gala and Pink Lady
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more as needed
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Preparation
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine apples, lemon juice, 1/2 cup water, maple syrup and cinnamon, cover, and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the apples have softened, around 15 minutes. Remove lid and cook for another 5 minutes, until any excess liquid cooks off.
For a chunky sauce, use a potato masher to carefully mash the apples. For a smooth sauce, transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse to your desired consistency. If you like a thinner sauce, add up to 1/2 cup of water.
Taste and add a bit more maple syrup as necessary. (It will depend on the combination of apples.) Stir in a pinch of kosher salt.
Tip
To make this applesauce in the Instant Pot, add all the ingredients to the pot, cover, and set the pressure cooker to high. Allow it to come to pressure, let cook for 5 minutes, then immediately release the pressure. Carefully open the lid. Continue with the recipe from Step 2.
BEIGNETS
Who doesn't love beignets? This yummy recipe is from Scott Hocker for the Food Network. He wrote, "In New Orleans, where I live, beignets are served with a snowstorm of powdered sugar. The puffy fried dough squares are sold at loads of places here, including the rightfully famous Café du Monde. (Insider tip: Café du Monde's location in City Park is even more magical than the well-traveled one in the French Quarter.) Anytime you order beignets to go, the paper bag is likewise loaded with powdered sugar. Capture that spirit by tossing these New Orleans–style beignets with powdered sugar in a large paper grocery bag. Or use a baking sheet coated with sugar. Whatever approach you choose, be sure to eat them while they’re piping hot. That’s half the point. The other half is finding yourself covered in white powder after a few bites."
Active Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (includes rising time); Yield: 42 beignets; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/beignets-9621174.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk, warmed but not hot
One 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg, beaten
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Canola oil, for frying (about 8 cups)
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions
Put the milk, yeast and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and mix on low to combine. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add the butter, salt, egg and remaining granulated sugar to the bowl and mix on low speed to combine. Add the flour in 1/2-cup increments, mixing on low speed just until the dough becomes sticky and pliable, about 2 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put somewhere warm to rise, such as inside an unlit oven, until the dough is roughly doubled in size, about 2 hours. (You can also refrigerate the covered dough overnight.)
Lightly flour a large work surface. Punch down the dough with your fist to remove air, then place the dough on the work surface. Roll the dough into a 12-by-14-inch rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick. Make 6 cuts 2 inches apart along the 12-inch side and 7 cuts 2 inches apart along the 14-inch side using a sharp knife or pizza cutter for a total of forty-two 2-inch squares. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 30 minutes. (If you refrigerated the dough, let the dough rest at least 1 hour.)
Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a large Dutch oven or electric fryer. Put the confectioners' sugar in a large paper grocery bag or on a large baking sheet. Fry 6 to 8 beignets at a time, flipping them every 30 seconds or so, until both sides are golden brown, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per batch. If using the paper bag, transfer the beignets to the bag and shake to coat well with the sugar. If using a baking sheet, transfer the beignets to the sheet and, using tongs, toss to coat well with the sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough. Serve immediately.
BASIC VEGETABLE SOUP
This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Some say this soup is the secret to their weight-loss success. It's a great midday snack or dinner appetizer. If you like thick soups, consider pureeing this recipe in the pot with an immersion blender. There are so many variations on this recipe. Add or leave out vegetables to suit your taste. Save time by using frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones (though the texture of the soup might change a bit). You can also buy small amounts of pre-cut vegetables from your supermarket's salad bar."
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 12; Serving Size: 1 cup; Difficulty: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 medium uncooked carrots, diced
2 small uncooked zucchini, diced
2 cups uncooked savoy cabbage, shredded, or other variety, shredded
2 cups uncooked Swiss chard, chopped
2 cups uncooked cauliflower, small floret
2 cups uncooked broccoli, small florets
1 medium uncooked onion, diced
1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
1 rib medium uncooked celery, diced
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
6 cups fat free reduced sodium vegetable broth
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, or fresh chives, chopped
1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice, optional
Directions
Put garlic, vegetables, thyme, and broth into a large soup pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, about 10 minutes.
Stir in parsley or chives; season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
HEARTY BROCCOLI AND ORECCHIETTE
This was in the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 30). It begins, "A classic Italian combination is filled out with mushrooms and spicy soy sausage for a hearty main dish." Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/hearty-broccoli-and-orecchiette/.
Ingredients
1 cup orecchiette pasta
6 cups small broccoli florets
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 cups sliced button mushrooms
1 Soyrizo sausage (6 oz.), chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
Preparation
Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente in large pot of boiling, salted water; add broccoli 3 minutes before end of cooking time. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water; drain pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
Wipe out pot, add oil, and heat over medium heat. Add mushrooms and Soyrizo, and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until mushrooms are browned. Stir in garlic, and cook 30 seconds. Return pasta, broccoli, and reserved pasta-cooking water to pot, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Friday, August 19, 2022
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Spanakopita and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf. Enjoy!
HOT MUSTARD AND HONEY GLAZED CHICKEN
This is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Kay wrote, "Asian hot mustard powder is a versatile pantry staple that can quickly transform into a spicy sauce, glaze or dressing. Here, the hot mustard is tamed with sweet honey and balanced by fragrant garlic for a savory glaze that caramelizes on chicken when roasted. Once cooked, the chicken receives a final basting for a fresh burst of spicy flavor. Make a double batch of the glaze, as it also tastes great on pork chops and grilled shrimp. Leftover chicken can quickly become a salad the next day; just chop and toss with spinach or romaine and a simple vinaigrette."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023080-hot-mustard-and-honey-glazed-chicken.
This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023080-hot-mustard-and-honey-glazed-chicken. Also, check out Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Make a Sheet-Pan Dinner".
Ingredients
1/4 cup hot Asian mustard powder (or English dry mustard, such as Colman’s)
6 tablespoons mild honey, such as clove or acacia
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon grated garlic
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1 pound carrots, peeled and quartered lengthwise
1 pound fingerling potatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup neutral oil, such as safflower or canola
6 chicken legs (about 3 1/2 pounds), drumsticks and thighs separated
Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large heatproof bowl, whisk mustard powder with 1/4 cup very hot water until well combined; let stand 5 minutes. (The heat of the water will activate and release the mustard’s spicy flavor.) Add honey, soy sauce, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt, and whisk to combine. Reserve half of the sauce in a small bowl for basting.
On a rimmed sheet tray, combine carrots, potatoes and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Season with salt and pepper, toss to evenly coat, and spread in an even layer.
Rub chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add to the large bowl with the sauce and toss to evenly coat, then arrange on top of the vegetables.
Roast until vegetables are tender and chicken is golden and cooked through, about 30 minutes. Divide chicken and vegetables among plates and baste chicken all over with the remaining sauce. Pour sheet pan juices into a small bowl and skim off any excess fat.
Spoon over pan juices, garnish with scallions and serve with lemon wedges.
SPANAKOPITA
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, "A traditional Greek entrée, spanakopita is a delicious, savory pie filled with spinach and onions mixed with feta cheese and eggs. The filling is enveloped between layers of light, flaky phyllo dough." Makes 4 servings; serving size: 1 1/2 cups
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/spanakopita
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 teaspoon canola or corn oil and 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons canola or corn oil, divided use
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 medium garlic clove (minced)
OR
1/2 teaspoon bottled, minced garlic
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1/4 cup crumbled, fat-free feta
2 tablespoons fresh dillweed
OR
1 teaspoon dillweed
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
5 9 x 14-inch sheets frozen phyllo, thawed in refrigerator
2 pounds fresh baby spinach
OR
3 10-ounce packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, or until almost soft, stirring frequently. Cook the garlic for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low. Cook half the spinach for 1 minute, tossing with tongs. Cook the remaining spinach until all the spinach is wilted, tossing constantly. Remove from the heat. Drain well in a colander, using the back of a fork to press out any excess liquid.
In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, eggs, feta, dillweed, and pepper. Stir in the spinach until well combined. Transfer the spinach mixture to the baking dish.
Place the 5 sheets of phyllo dough on a cutting board. Working quickly, use a sharp knife to cut the sheets in half. Keep the unused phyllo covered with a damp cloth or damp paper towels to prevent drying. Place 1 sheet over the spinach mixture. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush with 1 teaspoon oil. Layer with a second sheet. Brush with 1 teaspoon oil. Repeat with the remaining sheets and oil.
Bake for 30 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 375˚F. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. Serve warm.
Cooking Tip: For quicker assembly, cook the spinach a day ahead. Refrigerate it, covered, until you need it.
CLASSIC BIRTHDAY CAKE
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Alison wrote, "A birthday cake needn't be elaborate. A few layers of tender yellow cake and creamy chocolate frosting will do the trick. In this version of the classic pairing, brown sugar and buttermilk provide a sophisticated flavor to the cake, and sour cream adds a slight tang to the chocolate frosting. It’s worth noting that both the cake and frosting can be made ahead. Just make sure you bring the frosting to room temperature before assembly so that it spreads easily. One note: The buttermilk and brown sugar in the batter means that the cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist."
Yield: 10 to 12 servings; Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019045-classic-birthday-cake.
While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's wonderful guide, "How to Frost a Cake".
Ingredients
For the yellow cake:
Nonstick spray or butter for the pan
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces, plus more, if necessary, for greasing the pans
3-2/3 cups all-purpose or cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
For the chocolate frosting:
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (chocolate chips are fine)
8 ounces sour cream, room temperature
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Generous pinch of kosher salt
Lots of sprinkles
Preparation
For the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray or grease with softened butter. If your oven cannot accommodate all 3 pans on one middle rack, while the oven is still cool, arrange 2 racks as close to the middle as possible, allowing enough space between them for the cakes on the lower rack to rise without touching the one above it.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda together; set aside. In a medium bowl (or a measuring cup), combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract; set aside.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on high, beat everything together until it’s very light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating between additions. Beat the batter until it’s almost doubled in volume and very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.
With the mixer on low, gently beat in 1/3 of the flour mixture. Before it’s fully combined, add in 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat with remaining flour and buttermilk until everything is well blended and no lumps remain.
Divide the cake batter equally among the three cake pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan or rack placement halfway through baking. You’ll know the cakes are done when they are golden brown, pulling away from the sides of the pan, and the tops spring back ever so slightly when you press them.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let sit for five minutes to cool slightly before inverting them onto a wire baking rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting and assemble the cake: Melt the chocolate either in a bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, or in a double boiler or makeshift double boiler (a bowl set over a bowl of barely simmering water on the stove, but not touching the water), stirring occasionally until melted. The melted chocolate should be warm but never hot, with no visible chunks left.
Add about 1/3 of the sour cream to the melted chocolate and using a spatula, combine until no white streaks remain. Repeat with another 1/3, and finally the last 1/3. The chocolate will stiffen a bit as you add the sour cream, and this is O.K.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on low speed at first to avoid showering yourself with sugar, and then increasing to high speed, beat until everything is fluffy and almost pure white, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low, slowly add in the chocolate mixture and blend. Increase the speed to high and beat until everything is very fluffy and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Once cakes are cooled, transfer one layer of cake, top side up, to a large parchment-lined plate. Use an offset or regular spatula to spread frosting onto the first layer of cake. Place second layer of cake on top, bottom side up (layering the rest of cake with the flat bottoms on top makes a cake with a straight shape, rather than domed). Repeat with remaining layer.
Once all the layers are assembled, apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake, making sure to cover the whole cake. Chill the cake for 2 hours, keeping the frosting out at room temperature.
Remove the cake from the fridge and using either an offset spatula or a butter knife, give it another coat of frosting, doing whatever decorative patterns or swirls you wish: very smooth, or peaks and valleys.
Finish and decorate with sprinkles however you please.
Tip
This cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist.
MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MEAT LOAF
This is from Suzanne Codner (from Starbuck, Minnesota), on the Taste of Home website. Suzanne wrote, "When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal." Sometimes, all it takes is the right recipe!
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes + standing time; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/melt-in-your-mouth-meat-loaf/.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
3/4 cup 2% milk
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Cut two 25x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble an X. Place strips on bottom and up sides of a 5-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray.
Combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into a round loaf; place in center of strips in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°.
In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over meat loaf. Cook until heated through, about 15 minutes longer. Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter. Let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.
MEME'S PASTA FAGIOLI
This is from Karyn Osborne on AllRecipes. Karyn wrote, "White cannellini beans, ditalini pasta with vegetables, lean hamburger, and herbs are simmered in vegetable juice and chicken broth. It is like an Italian chili like Olive Garden®'s Pasta Fagioli and even better the second day."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238014/memes-pasta-fagioli/.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 thin slice onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (32 ounce) bottle tomato-vegetable juice cocktail (such as V8®)
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1-1/2 cups ditalini pasta
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; saute carrot, celery, and onion until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir vegetable juice cocktail, chicken broth, parsley, basil, oregano, and black pepper into vegetable mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer soup for 20 minutes.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
Stir cannellini beans and ground beef into soup; cook and stir until soup is heated through, about 10 minutes.
Spoon about 1/3 cup pasta into each serving bowl; ladle soup over pasta.
Cook's Note:
Keep pasta separate from soup for leftovers and combine when reheating.
SUPER-DELICIOUS ZUPPA TOSCANA
This was on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an oh-so-good recipe. Just the right amount of spice to make you take a cold drink but definitely keep coming back for more! This soup is irresistible!"
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/143069/super-delicious-zuppa-toscana/.
Ingredients
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1-1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
6 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh spinach, tough stems removed
Directions
Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.
Editor's Note:
Please note the differences in serving size and the substitution of lacinato kale for spinach when using the magazine version of this recipe.
HOT MUSTARD AND HONEY GLAZED CHICKEN
This is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Kay wrote, "Asian hot mustard powder is a versatile pantry staple that can quickly transform into a spicy sauce, glaze or dressing. Here, the hot mustard is tamed with sweet honey and balanced by fragrant garlic for a savory glaze that caramelizes on chicken when roasted. Once cooked, the chicken receives a final basting for a fresh burst of spicy flavor. Make a double batch of the glaze, as it also tastes great on pork chops and grilled shrimp. Leftover chicken can quickly become a salad the next day; just chop and toss with spinach or romaine and a simple vinaigrette."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 45 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023080-hot-mustard-and-honey-glazed-chicken.
This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023080-hot-mustard-and-honey-glazed-chicken. Also, check out Melissa Clark's guide, "How to Make a Sheet-Pan Dinner".
Ingredients
1/4 cup hot Asian mustard powder (or English dry mustard, such as Colman’s)
6 tablespoons mild honey, such as clove or acacia
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon grated garlic
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1 pound carrots, peeled and quartered lengthwise
1 pound fingerling potatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup neutral oil, such as safflower or canola
6 chicken legs (about 3 1/2 pounds), drumsticks and thighs separated
Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large heatproof bowl, whisk mustard powder with 1/4 cup very hot water until well combined; let stand 5 minutes. (The heat of the water will activate and release the mustard’s spicy flavor.) Add honey, soy sauce, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt, and whisk to combine. Reserve half of the sauce in a small bowl for basting.
On a rimmed sheet tray, combine carrots, potatoes and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Season with salt and pepper, toss to evenly coat, and spread in an even layer.
Rub chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add to the large bowl with the sauce and toss to evenly coat, then arrange on top of the vegetables.
Roast until vegetables are tender and chicken is golden and cooked through, about 30 minutes. Divide chicken and vegetables among plates and baste chicken all over with the remaining sauce. Pour sheet pan juices into a small bowl and skim off any excess fat.
Spoon over pan juices, garnish with scallions and serve with lemon wedges.
SPANAKOPITA
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, "A traditional Greek entrée, spanakopita is a delicious, savory pie filled with spinach and onions mixed with feta cheese and eggs. The filling is enveloped between layers of light, flaky phyllo dough." Makes 4 servings; serving size: 1 1/2 cups
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/spanakopita
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 teaspoon canola or corn oil and 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons canola or corn oil, divided use
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 medium garlic clove (minced)
OR
1/2 teaspoon bottled, minced garlic
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1/4 cup crumbled, fat-free feta
2 tablespoons fresh dillweed
OR
1 teaspoon dillweed
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
5 9 x 14-inch sheets frozen phyllo, thawed in refrigerator
2 pounds fresh baby spinach
OR
3 10-ounce packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, or until almost soft, stirring frequently. Cook the garlic for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low. Cook half the spinach for 1 minute, tossing with tongs. Cook the remaining spinach until all the spinach is wilted, tossing constantly. Remove from the heat. Drain well in a colander, using the back of a fork to press out any excess liquid.
In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, eggs, feta, dillweed, and pepper. Stir in the spinach until well combined. Transfer the spinach mixture to the baking dish.
Place the 5 sheets of phyllo dough on a cutting board. Working quickly, use a sharp knife to cut the sheets in half. Keep the unused phyllo covered with a damp cloth or damp paper towels to prevent drying. Place 1 sheet over the spinach mixture. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush with 1 teaspoon oil. Layer with a second sheet. Brush with 1 teaspoon oil. Repeat with the remaining sheets and oil.
Bake for 30 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 375˚F. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. Serve warm.
Cooking Tip: For quicker assembly, cook the spinach a day ahead. Refrigerate it, covered, until you need it.
CLASSIC BIRTHDAY CAKE
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Alison wrote, "A birthday cake needn't be elaborate. A few layers of tender yellow cake and creamy chocolate frosting will do the trick. In this version of the classic pairing, brown sugar and buttermilk provide a sophisticated flavor to the cake, and sour cream adds a slight tang to the chocolate frosting. It’s worth noting that both the cake and frosting can be made ahead. Just make sure you bring the frosting to room temperature before assembly so that it spreads easily. One note: The buttermilk and brown sugar in the batter means that the cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist."
Yield: 10 to 12 servings; Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes plus chilling
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019045-classic-birthday-cake.
While you're at it, check out Melissa Clark's wonderful guide, "How to Frost a Cake".
Ingredients
For the yellow cake:
Nonstick spray or butter for the pan
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces, plus more, if necessary, for greasing the pans
3-2/3 cups all-purpose or cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
For the chocolate frosting:
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (chocolate chips are fine)
8 ounces sour cream, room temperature
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Generous pinch of kosher salt
Lots of sprinkles
Preparation
For the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray or grease with softened butter. If your oven cannot accommodate all 3 pans on one middle rack, while the oven is still cool, arrange 2 racks as close to the middle as possible, allowing enough space between them for the cakes on the lower rack to rise without touching the one above it.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda together; set aside. In a medium bowl (or a measuring cup), combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract; set aside.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on high, beat everything together until it’s very light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating between additions. Beat the batter until it’s almost doubled in volume and very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.
With the mixer on low, gently beat in 1/3 of the flour mixture. Before it’s fully combined, add in 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat with remaining flour and buttermilk until everything is well blended and no lumps remain.
Divide the cake batter equally among the three cake pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan or rack placement halfway through baking. You’ll know the cakes are done when they are golden brown, pulling away from the sides of the pan, and the tops spring back ever so slightly when you press them.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let sit for five minutes to cool slightly before inverting them onto a wire baking rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting and assemble the cake: Melt the chocolate either in a bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, or in a double boiler or makeshift double boiler (a bowl set over a bowl of barely simmering water on the stove, but not touching the water), stirring occasionally until melted. The melted chocolate should be warm but never hot, with no visible chunks left.
Add about 1/3 of the sour cream to the melted chocolate and using a spatula, combine until no white streaks remain. Repeat with another 1/3, and finally the last 1/3. The chocolate will stiffen a bit as you add the sour cream, and this is O.K.
In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Using an electric mixer (or the stand mixer) on low speed at first to avoid showering yourself with sugar, and then increasing to high speed, beat until everything is fluffy and almost pure white, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low, slowly add in the chocolate mixture and blend. Increase the speed to high and beat until everything is very fluffy and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Once cakes are cooled, transfer one layer of cake, top side up, to a large parchment-lined plate. Use an offset or regular spatula to spread frosting onto the first layer of cake. Place second layer of cake on top, bottom side up (layering the rest of cake with the flat bottoms on top makes a cake with a straight shape, rather than domed). Repeat with remaining layer.
Once all the layers are assembled, apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake, making sure to cover the whole cake. Chill the cake for 2 hours, keeping the frosting out at room temperature.
Remove the cake from the fridge and using either an offset spatula or a butter knife, give it another coat of frosting, doing whatever decorative patterns or swirls you wish: very smooth, or peaks and valleys.
Finish and decorate with sprinkles however you please.
Tip
This cake might appear slightly darker on the outside after baking than your typical yellow cake, but don't worry. The inside will be tender and moist.
MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MEAT LOAF
This is from Suzanne Codner (from Starbuck, Minnesota), on the Taste of Home website. Suzanne wrote, "When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal." Sometimes, all it takes is the right recipe!
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes + standing time; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/melt-in-your-mouth-meat-loaf/.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
3/4 cup 2% milk
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Cut two 25x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble an X. Place strips on bottom and up sides of a 5-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray.
Combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into a round loaf; place in center of strips in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°.
In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over meat loaf. Cook until heated through, about 15 minutes longer. Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter. Let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.
MEME'S PASTA FAGIOLI
This is from Karyn Osborne on AllRecipes. Karyn wrote, "White cannellini beans, ditalini pasta with vegetables, lean hamburger, and herbs are simmered in vegetable juice and chicken broth. It is like an Italian chili like Olive Garden®'s Pasta Fagioli and even better the second day."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238014/memes-pasta-fagioli/.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 thin slice onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (32 ounce) bottle tomato-vegetable juice cocktail (such as V8®)
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1-1/2 cups ditalini pasta
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; saute carrot, celery, and onion until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir vegetable juice cocktail, chicken broth, parsley, basil, oregano, and black pepper into vegetable mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer soup for 20 minutes.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
Stir cannellini beans and ground beef into soup; cook and stir until soup is heated through, about 10 minutes.
Spoon about 1/3 cup pasta into each serving bowl; ladle soup over pasta.
Cook's Note:
Keep pasta separate from soup for leftovers and combine when reheating.
SUPER-DELICIOUS ZUPPA TOSCANA
This was on AllRecipes, and begins, "This is an oh-so-good recipe. Just the right amount of spice to make you take a cold drink but definitely keep coming back for more! This soup is irresistible!"
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/143069/super-delicious-zuppa-toscana/.
Ingredients
1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1-1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
6 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh spinach, tough stems removed
Directions
Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.
Editor's Note:
Please note the differences in serving size and the substitution of lacinato kale for spinach when using the magazine version of this recipe.
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Stuffed Peppers
A few years back, a co-worker and I were discussing food, and she mentioned she'd planned to make Stuffed Peppers for dinner.
"I absolutely love stuffed peppers," she told me. It had been a while since I'd fixed any, so I figured I'd look for a few recipes for them.
With that in mind, here are six stuffed pepper recipes to check out, including Mexican-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers and Colorful Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Enjoy!
VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Ready Set Eat, and begins, “A heart healthy recipe for stuffed peppers filled with brown rice, vegetables and cheese for a Mexican flavor influence.”
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 4; Number of ingredients: 8.
To view this online (and to check out more recipes), go to https://www.readyseteat.com/recipes-Vegetarian-Stuffed-Peppers-7419.
Ingredients
PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
2 large green or red bell peppers
1/2 cup instant brown rice, uncooked
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies-No Salt Added, drained
1-1/2 cups frozen Southwest mixed vegetables (corn, black beans, red peppers)
1 can (8 oz each) Hunt's® Tomato Sauce, divided
1/3 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 8x8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stem into halves. Remove and discard seeds and membranes. Place peppers, cut-side down, in dish. Bake 15 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, prepare rice according to package directions, adding cumin and garlic salt. Add drained tomatoes, mixed vegetables and half of tomato sauce to cooked rice; stir to combine. Divide rice mixture and place inside peppers. Top with remaining tomato sauce; sprinkle with cheese.
Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake 20 minutes or until peppers are hot and cheese melts.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1321.shtml
Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g ; Sugars: 5 g ; Carbohydrates: 14 g
STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF AND RICE
This comes from Diana Rattray from The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These traditional stuffed peppers are filled with ground beef and rice. It's classic comfort food, and it is one of our favorite recipes. This is a tried-and-true old-fashioned favorite. Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious meal with a tossed salad, or served with mashed or baked potatoes.
“Bake these stuffed peppers for a satisfying everyday family meal.”
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 85 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Yield: 6 Servings.
I had had a link to this from when Diana posted it on About.com, which has since become DotDash.com (which The Spruce Eats is part of), but I'm currently unable to find a link to this. I'll keep looking, though!
Ingredients
6 green peppers, or use a combination of green and red bell peppers or other colors
1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (at least 85%)
1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
Shredded mild Cheddar cheese, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, optional
Preparation
Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and rinse them under cold water; remove seeds and cut away the membranes, which might be bitter. Chop the edible part of tops and set aside. Place peppers in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil is hot and the butter is foamy. Sauté the chopped bell pepper (from the tops), chopped onion, and chopped celery for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add the (undrained) canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce mixture. Mix well.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Stuff the peppers loosely with the meat mixture and place in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan. Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the stuffed peppers.
Bake the peppers for about 45 minutes, or until the meat mixture is thoroughly cooked. To check the internal temperature, use an instant-read thermometer. The temperature should be at least 160° F for ground beef, pork or lamb, or 165° F for ground turkey or chicken.
Tips and Variations
Top stuffed peppers with a little shredded Cheddar cheese just before they are done and then return them to the oven and bake just until the cheese has melted.
Use green bell peppers or red bell peppers, or any combination of colors.
Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the ground beef in the recipe.
The peppers may also be halved horizontally so you have two halves to fill. You won't have the extra chopped pepper from the tops, but you can chop an extra bell pepper.
MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This came from Betty Crocker Kitchens, and begins, “For this light and flavorful take on stuffed peppers, we made a filling of seasoned ground turkey, chick peas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese that comes in at just 260 calories. Simply stuff your peppers, bake and finish the dish with a fresh tomato-basil topping.”
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8 To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 large red or yellow bell peppers (about 1/2 lb each)
1 lb lean (at least 93%) ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Muir GlenTM organic roasted garlic pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
3/4 cup ProgressoTM chick peas, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 jar (6 oz) ProgressoTM artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1 package (4 oz) feta cheese crumbles (3/4 cup)
2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 medium)
3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking parchment paper. Cut each bell pepper in half vertically, leaving stem intact; remove seeds and membranes. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
Add bell peppers to boiling water, making sure water covers peppers. Cook 2 minutes; drain. Place peppers cut side up in pan.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up turkey, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.
Transfer turkey mixture to medium bowl; stir in pasta sauce, chick peas and artichoke hearts. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the feta cheese.
Divide turkey mixture evenly among bell peppers in pan (peppers will be full). Spray one side of foil with cooking spray; cover with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 32 to 37 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is hot.
In small bowl, mix tomatoes, basil and remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon salt.Top cooked bell peppers with tomato mixture and remaining 1⁄4 cup feta cheese before serving.
MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA STUFFED PEPPERS
This is from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RN, LD on VeryWell.com. Kaleigh wrote, "When your blood pressure is high, it’s important to include plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fiber in your diet. Stuffed bell peppers incorporate all of these into one convenient meal. This Mediterranean version includes whole grain quinoa, chickpeas, and plenty of vegetables, which all provide filling fiber. The bright red peppers and tomatoes also provide vitamins A and C and the antioxidant lycopene for a nutritious punch.
"Stuffed peppers are easy to prepare and hold up well in the refrigerator for lunches during the week. You can customize what you add to them. Switch up the grains with brown rice or farro if you have it, or add different beans and vegetables that need to be used up. You can also add cooked chicken or steak if you want to add a little more protein if you plan to eat the peppers by themselves."
Total Time: 35 min; Prep 10 min, Cook 25 min; Yield 2 peppers (346 calories)
To view this online, click here. To check out Kaleigh's website, go to Lively Table.
Ingredients
2 large red bell peppers
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup low sodium cooked chickpeas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350F.
Cut bell peppers vertically down the center in half and remove stems and seeds. Place peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Scoop mixture into pepper halves.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until peppers are soft but still hold their shape. Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley before serving (optional).
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You may use cooked brown rice or other grain, such as farro, in place of the quinoa.
Include any vegetables that you have in your refrigerator that need to be used.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Serve these stuffed peppers hot as a vegetarian dinner or cold as lunch.
Serve one pepper half as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a higher protein meal.
MEXICAN-STYLE STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. This one begins, “In this Latin twist on stuffed bell peppers, black beans replace the traditional rice and salsa stands in for the standard tomato sauce.” Serves 4; 1 stuffed bell pepper per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Mexican-Style-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers/.
Ingredients
4 large red or green bell peppers, or a combination, stems, seeds, and ribs discarded, tops chopped and reserved
Cooking spray
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces 95% fat-free ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salsa (lowest sodium available)
1 cup canned no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1/4 cup low-fat shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a microwave oven, place the bell peppers with the cut side up on a paper towel. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 4–5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Transfer with the cut side up to a 9-inch square baking dish or shallow casserole dish.
Meanwhile, lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Cook the chopped bell pepper tops, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn and break up the beef. Discard any drippings.
Sprinkle the beef mixture with the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the salsa. Remove from the heat.
Gently stir in the beans and cup cilantro. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Top the peppers with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro.
"I absolutely love stuffed peppers," she told me. It had been a while since I'd fixed any, so I figured I'd look for a few recipes for them.
With that in mind, here are six stuffed pepper recipes to check out, including Mexican-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers and Colorful Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Enjoy!
VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from Ready Set Eat, and begins, “A heart healthy recipe for stuffed peppers filled with brown rice, vegetables and cheese for a Mexican flavor influence.”
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 4; Number of ingredients: 8.
To view this online (and to check out more recipes), go to https://www.readyseteat.com/recipes-Vegetarian-Stuffed-Peppers-7419.
Ingredients
PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
2 large green or red bell peppers
1/2 cup instant brown rice, uncooked
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies-No Salt Added, drained
1-1/2 cups frozen Southwest mixed vegetables (corn, black beans, red peppers)
1 can (8 oz each) Hunt's® Tomato Sauce, divided
1/3 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 8x8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stem into halves. Remove and discard seeds and membranes. Place peppers, cut-side down, in dish. Bake 15 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, prepare rice according to package directions, adding cumin and garlic salt. Add drained tomatoes, mixed vegetables and half of tomato sauce to cooked rice; stir to combine. Divide rice mixture and place inside peppers. Top with remaining tomato sauce; sprinkle with cheese.
Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake 20 minutes or until peppers are hot and cheese melts.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
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Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g ; Sugars: 5 g ; Carbohydrates: 14 g
STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF AND RICE
This comes from Diana Rattray from The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These traditional stuffed peppers are filled with ground beef and rice. It's classic comfort food, and it is one of our favorite recipes. This is a tried-and-true old-fashioned favorite. Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious meal with a tossed salad, or served with mashed or baked potatoes.
“Bake these stuffed peppers for a satisfying everyday family meal.”
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 85 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Yield: 6 Servings.
I had had a link to this from when Diana posted it on About.com, which has since become DotDash.com (which The Spruce Eats is part of), but I'm currently unable to find a link to this. I'll keep looking, though!
Ingredients
6 green peppers, or use a combination of green and red bell peppers or other colors
1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (at least 85%)
1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice
Shredded mild Cheddar cheese, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, optional
Preparation
Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and rinse them under cold water; remove seeds and cut away the membranes, which might be bitter. Chop the edible part of tops and set aside. Place peppers in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil is hot and the butter is foamy. Sauté the chopped bell pepper (from the tops), chopped onion, and chopped celery for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add the (undrained) canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce mixture. Mix well.
Heat the oven to 350° F.
Stuff the peppers loosely with the meat mixture and place in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan. Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the stuffed peppers.
Bake the peppers for about 45 minutes, or until the meat mixture is thoroughly cooked. To check the internal temperature, use an instant-read thermometer. The temperature should be at least 160° F for ground beef, pork or lamb, or 165° F for ground turkey or chicken.
Tips and Variations
Top stuffed peppers with a little shredded Cheddar cheese just before they are done and then return them to the oven and bake just until the cheese has melted.
Use green bell peppers or red bell peppers, or any combination of colors.
Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the ground beef in the recipe.
The peppers may also be halved horizontally so you have two halves to fill. You won't have the extra chopped pepper from the tops, but you can chop an extra bell pepper.
MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This came from Betty Crocker Kitchens, and begins, “For this light and flavorful take on stuffed peppers, we made a filling of seasoned ground turkey, chick peas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese that comes in at just 260 calories. Simply stuff your peppers, bake and finish the dish with a fresh tomato-basil topping.”
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8 To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 large red or yellow bell peppers (about 1/2 lb each)
1 lb lean (at least 93%) ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Muir GlenTM organic roasted garlic pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
3/4 cup ProgressoTM chick peas, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 jar (6 oz) ProgressoTM artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1 package (4 oz) feta cheese crumbles (3/4 cup)
2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 medium)
3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking parchment paper. Cut each bell pepper in half vertically, leaving stem intact; remove seeds and membranes. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
Add bell peppers to boiling water, making sure water covers peppers. Cook 2 minutes; drain. Place peppers cut side up in pan.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up turkey, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.
Transfer turkey mixture to medium bowl; stir in pasta sauce, chick peas and artichoke hearts. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the feta cheese.
Divide turkey mixture evenly among bell peppers in pan (peppers will be full). Spray one side of foil with cooking spray; cover with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 32 to 37 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is hot.
In small bowl, mix tomatoes, basil and remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon salt.Top cooked bell peppers with tomato mixture and remaining 1⁄4 cup feta cheese before serving.
MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA STUFFED PEPPERS
This is from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RN, LD on VeryWell.com. Kaleigh wrote, "When your blood pressure is high, it’s important to include plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fiber in your diet. Stuffed bell peppers incorporate all of these into one convenient meal. This Mediterranean version includes whole grain quinoa, chickpeas, and plenty of vegetables, which all provide filling fiber. The bright red peppers and tomatoes also provide vitamins A and C and the antioxidant lycopene for a nutritious punch.
"Stuffed peppers are easy to prepare and hold up well in the refrigerator for lunches during the week. You can customize what you add to them. Switch up the grains with brown rice or farro if you have it, or add different beans and vegetables that need to be used up. You can also add cooked chicken or steak if you want to add a little more protein if you plan to eat the peppers by themselves."
Total Time: 35 min; Prep 10 min, Cook 25 min; Yield 2 peppers (346 calories)
To view this online, click here. To check out Kaleigh's website, go to Lively Table.
Ingredients
2 large red bell peppers
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup low sodium cooked chickpeas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350F.
Cut bell peppers vertically down the center in half and remove stems and seeds. Place peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Scoop mixture into pepper halves.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until peppers are soft but still hold their shape. Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley before serving (optional).
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You may use cooked brown rice or other grain, such as farro, in place of the quinoa.
Include any vegetables that you have in your refrigerator that need to be used.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Serve these stuffed peppers hot as a vegetarian dinner or cold as lunch.
Serve one pepper half as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a higher protein meal.
MEXICAN-STYLE STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. This one begins, “In this Latin twist on stuffed bell peppers, black beans replace the traditional rice and salsa stands in for the standard tomato sauce.” Serves 4; 1 stuffed bell pepper per serving.
To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Mexican-Style-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers/.
Ingredients
4 large red or green bell peppers, or a combination, stems, seeds, and ribs discarded, tops chopped and reserved
Cooking spray
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces 95% fat-free ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salsa (lowest sodium available)
1 cup canned no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1/4 cup low-fat shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a microwave oven, place the bell peppers with the cut side up on a paper towel. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 4–5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Transfer with the cut side up to a 9-inch square baking dish or shallow casserole dish.
Meanwhile, lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Cook the chopped bell pepper tops, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to turn and break up the beef. Discard any drippings.
Sprinkle the beef mixture with the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the salsa. Remove from the heat.
Gently stir in the beans and cup cilantro. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Top the peppers with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro.
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